"Absolute original": The Office star dies aged 50
The Office star Ewen MacIntosh has passed away at the age of 50.
The comedian shot to fame for his portrayal of oddball character Keith Bishop in the UK version of the sitcom, starring alongside Ricky Gervais.
Tributes have flooded in for the star, led by his co-star Gervais.
He wrote, “Extremely sad news. The very funny and very lovely Ewen Macintosh, known to many as ‘Big Keith’ from The Office, has passed away. An absolute original. RIP.”
Stephen Merchant, who co-wrote The Office with Gervais, said he was “so very sad” to hear of the death of MacIntosh, who he described as a “lovely and uniquely funny man”.
“I fondly recall we asked him to improvise an out-of-office message, and he was so hilarious we started writing more and more dialogue for him,” Merchant said in an Instagram tribute. “He soon stole every scene he was in. A total one-off. A tragic loss.”
Ewen’s management team announced his passing, writing, “With great sadness we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved comedy genius Ewen MacIntosh."
“His family thank all who supported him, especially Willow Green Care Home."
“There will be a private cremation for family & close friends soon & a celebratory memorial later in the year.”
His pal Ed Scott wrote, “I am completely devastated by the loss of my very good friend Ewen MacIntosh.
“He may have had a famous face known by millions as Keith from The Office but the person inside is what I will most remember.”
Away from the popular sitcom, Ewen struggled to get roles and went bankrupt in 2016.
MacIntosh teamed up with Gervais once more for a small role in After Life, and also had minor roles in Little Britain and Miranda.
He also opened up on his health battles, revealing in 2022 he had been admitted to hospital, saying it was a "Bad times for me I’m afraid chums," while urging his fans to "Stay strong out there.”
Image credits: BBC